Michigan expects growth in wind power capacity

The latest report by the Michigan Energy Office predicts that Michigan will triple its renewable energy capacity by 2035, with most of the expected increase coming from wind. Under the current legislation Michigan requires utilities to get 10% of their electricity generation from renewables by 2015. However due to technological improvement in many renewable energy technologies, this standard could soon be raised significantly.

A plenty is expected from wind turbines. The recent technological advancements have enabled higher capacity factors and have thus improved the output of many wind turbines in the state.

There are currently 978 wind farms in the state. At the end of 2012, the state had installed 978 MW of total wind power capacity. The largest wind farm in Michigan is the 293 MW Gration County Wind Project, equipped with 167 wind turbines.

When talking about the wind power potential for Michigan, offshore wind power should also be mentioned. Several different studies have agreed that Michigan has very good potential for offshore wind power in Great Lakes, though offshore wind is yet to start developing, as there still doesn't seem to be enough political unity needed to boost offshore wind energy industry, not only in Michigan but on federal level too.

Of course, there are still some controversies about the noise coming from gigantic wind turbines as well as the question of their aesthetics. However, the fact that there is now more cash for the locals (particularly for farmers that are paid significant fees for having windmills on their properties) seem to be doing positive things for future wind energy development, and the number of proponents continues to grow in many regions of the state.

Wind is currently the most efficient source of renewable energy in the state, and one that will surely play significant role in state's energy mix in years to come.

Wind farms in the state of Michigan.